Otago fire prompts rural evacuations

The fire started a paddock and grew out of control (Shay Dewey / 3 News)

Evacuations are underway in northern parts of Otago as a fire spreads through trees and scrub.

Around 30 firefighters are battling the blaze near Dunback, taking a defensive approach and dampening the land around properties in the path of the fire.

Southern fire communications shift manager Andrew Norris says the blaze kicked off in a paddock off Stoneburn Rd. The stretch is near State Highway 85 and around 13km from Palmerston.

High winds are making the operation extremely difficult and the fire is still uncontained. Two helicopters are in the area but unable to get involved due to the wind, however one is currently carrying out an aerial reconnaissance.

Mr Norris was unable to confirm how many evacuations had taken place but says a command point has been set up at the scene. Around six to eight fire appliances are at the scene.